The Democrat from New Jersey Monday proposed to fellow Garden State resident Alicia Mucci in the Capitol Rotunda Monday. A spokeswoman for the Senator confirmed to CNN that the newly engaged couple soon after spread the word of their impending nuptials as they attended the White House congressional holiday ball, followed by a dinner with friends.

Politico was first to report Menendez's engagement.

The 59-year old divorcee was married from 1976-2005 to his first wife, Jane, a teacher. They had two children together.

As for the bride to be, Menendez Communications Director Patricia Enright tells CNN that "Alicia Mucci lives in Bergen County and manages a series of real estate investments for a living. The couple met some time ago at a fundraiser and have been dating for more than a year."

Menendez did thank friends and family on Twitter for their congratulations, and Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona Tuesday morning tweeted "Congratulations to @SenatorMenendez on engagement yesterday!"